Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve additional teaching hours to cater for the significant English language deficit of non-national pupils in a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2265/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Post-primary schools may apply to my Department for additional teaching hours to help cater for the needs of non-national pupils with significant English language deficits. In situations where schools have over quota posts, my Department routinely requires that these posts be utilised to meet new and emerging needs within such schools, including the needs of non-national pupils, where appropriate.

Following consideration of the application from the school concerned, my Department decided that the school should cater for the needs of the non-national pupils enrolled from within its existing resources, which include 2.5 wholetime equivalent surplus posts. This case was referred to the independent appeals committee which upheld the original decision. This committee operates independently of my Department and its decisions are final.

In the event that there is any subsequent change in the staffing of the school which alters its quota position, my Department will be prepared to review the case. To date, no such change has been notified to my Department.